3ft glassy Tweed Coast, gorgeous golden sunrise, just a bit of winter chill in the water and wind, unreal bank out front of home, just a couple of guys on it. Paddle out with fin set-up experiment #37 in the PSH 9'6" wide ripper, and finally it's The One (6" fluid foils glass centre with 2 x Sunny Garcia sides). First two waves feel like surfing my shortboard, lots of drive, nice and loose, real turns. Feeling just fine too with the new Kialoa Shaka Pu'u that Angie & Jacko set me up with yest after snapping my usual paddle the previous morning - the Shaka is a beauty, so light and full of life. Jed's having a ball. And then comes the absolute cherry of cherries on top - two humpback whales appear off the starboard bow about 100m out to sea and about 150m south of me, heading north. The other blokes in the water can't see them because they aren't standing up. So Jed heads out on an intercept course. Next thing they surface spitting distance away and Jed's heading up the coast with two humpback whales (pinch me, is this real) cruising alongside, not more than a couple of paddle lengths away. Hooting my brains out. Then they cross in front of me, two mature late season gigantors, and I have to slow down so I don't run into their flanks. After about 500m I lose them - they are just too fast, too powerful , not even a new Shaka can keep up with them. Head back to the boys sitting in the line-up, they're stoked too. Few more waves, my head buzzing, come in and dry off & go to work. Sitting here in the office buzzing still. Sorry no vid or stills like jezza007 posted a couple of weeks ago when he got the same whale treat but wow, what a morning. This is why I SUP.

Lucky bugger , that would be an experience to remember.

this is from the NSW boating handbook, put out by maratime NSW.

Protected Aquatic Animals
All native mammals, birds and reptiles are protected in NSW. Vessel operators must keep an active look out to avoid harming these animals. Protected aquatic animals include whales, seals, dolphins, penguins and turtles, as well as a variety of water birds.

Boat-based whale watching has become a popular activity. To safeguard whales and minimise danger to vessels, there are certain rules governing vessel speeds and approach distances around whales (see diagram). All vessels (powered or un-powered) must stay at least 100 metres from a whale (300m if whale is with calf), and maintain a slow ‘no wash’ speed while within 300 metres.

Little penguins are another endangered species, and parts of Sydney Harbour have been declared “critical habitat” to better protect them. Special rules apply in this area during the penguin’s breeding season (1 July to 28 February), including restrictions on anchoring, fishing and vessel access in the Spring Cove area.

For further details about the protection of whales, penguins and other aquatic animals, visit the National Parks and Wildlife Service website on www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au